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Chiropractic care has an incremental impact on population health and total health care spending.   Health benefit plans that include chiropractic coverage are cost-effective in nature as they not only provide better health outcomes but reduce the cost of health care spending overall for such conditions for patients seeking chiropractic care.  – Economic study of chiropractic”s impact on the health care system written by Niteesh Choudry, MD, PhD of Harvard Medical School & Arnold Milstein, MD, MPH, published October 2009.

The average American consumes 2-3 pounds of sugar each week!  I find this statistic astonishing, as I personally can’t fathom the idea of eating loads and loads of sweets.  After performing some detective work, I found  that a good portion of this sugar is hidden in foods and eaten by unsuspecting victims.  Sugar is not just table sugar; it is also corn sugar (dextrose) and high fructose corn syrup.  These types of sugars are added as ingredients in breads, breakfast cereals, peanut butter, spaghetti sauce, mayonnaise, ketchup, and too many other foods to mention.  It is obvious to most of us that sugar can be very damaging to the body’s health.  The excess calories consumed in sugar contribute to obesity, the number one cause of disease in the United States.  The calories from refined and processed sugars are virtually nutritionless, which makes them “empty” calories.  To make matters worse, sugar has a huge detrimental effect on the immune system.  This fact is very relevant in today’s society, considering  the concern about flu and viral-type illnesses.  Sugar raises the body’s insulin levels.  Insulin, in turn, inhibits the body’s release of growth hormone.  Too little growth hormone depresses the function of the immune system.  Sugar also counteracts the effects of Vitamin C.  The more sugar that is around the body’s white blood cells, the less vitamin C is able to enter the cell walls.  Vitamin C is needed by white blood cells to phagocytise (eat and gobble up) bacteria and viruses.  Based on the facts that sugar contributes massively (pun intended) to obesity and also decreases the function of the immune system, a diet that is extremely low in sugar makes a lot of sense.  If you are a parent and are concerned about your children “catching” the flu or a cold, the first thing you can do is monitor their diets and replace unhealthy foods with healthy ones. The old saying holds true, an apple a day keeps the doctor a way!

EPHEDRA (Ephedra sinica, intermedia, equisetina)

• Source:
  • Ephedra, also called ma huang, is found in a plant that grows in deserts throughout the world. The Asian species are what supplies the medicinal formulas and have been used by the Chinese for over 5000 years. The alkaloids ephedrin and pseudoephedrin are the active components of Ephedra.
• Effects:
  • They stimulate the central nervous system causing vasoconstriction, which increases blood pressure and heart rate as well as dilating the bronchial tubes. Pseudoephedrin is an over-the-counter remedy for nasal congestion.
• Dosage:
  • Over-the-counter drugs with ephedrin can be used safely at doses of 12.5mg to 25mg every 4 hours, with no more than 150mg every 4 hours being taken.
• Side Effects:
  • The side affects include insomnia, dry mouth, muscle disturbances, heart palpitations, nervousness, and high blood pressure. Individuals with heart conditions, diabetes, glaucoma, thyroid disease, those taking MAO-inhibiting antidepressants, and hypertension should not use the herb. It should also not be used during pregnancy and lactation or with children under the age of six.

ECHINACEA

• Source:
  • Echinacea is also known as purple coneflower and is a member of the sunflower family. There are nine species with three currently being marketed in supplement form. The Echinacea purpurea is the most researched form with studies documenting activation of phagocytic white blood cell activity.
• Effects:
  • Primary indications of Echinacea include the prevention and treatment of the common cold and influenza. It is also used for adjunctive treatment for recurrent infections of the middle ear, respiratory tract and urinary tract. It is also used as an injectable form for psoriasis and recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, chronic prostatitis and bronchitis. It has a long history of use for the treatment in superficial wounds as well as inflammatory skin conditions. It has been used in North America by Native Americans and as an antidote for venomous bites from insects. There are hundreds of journal articles on Echinacea with it being one of the most popular phytomedicines in Europe, widely recommended by physicians and pharmacists.
  • It inhibits hyaluronidase produced by infectious microorganisms, increases phagocytosis and stimulates overall cell immunity. It also appears to increase T-cell activity as well as levels of interferon.
  • In studies of the early 1990s as well as an 8-week placebo-controlled double-blind study, Echinacea decreased the frequency of colds and flu in 100 patients at a dosage of 2-4ml. The subjects had increased susceptibility in regards to cold severity with the percent of patients remaining healthy being 35.2% with Echinacea and 25.9% with placebo. The length of time between infections was 40 days with Echinacea and 25 days with placebo. Recurring infections were less severe in 78.6% of the group taking Echinacea compared to placebo.
  • An additional study from early 1990 demonstrated three study groups with 180 people aged 18 to 60 suffering from influenza. The subjects were assigned to one of each of the following groups; one group was a placebo; one group had Echinacea at a daily dose of 450mg and another group with Echinacea at a dose of 900mg per day. At the dose of 900mg daily, Echinacea was shown to significantly reduce flu symptoms when compared to the placebo or the dose of 450mg group. These symptoms included weakness, low-energy, chills, sweating, sore throat, muscle and joint aches, and headaches. This study not only demonstrates the effectivenss of Echinacea, but also the importance of consuming an adequate dose.
• Dosage:
  • When Echinacea is used as an immune-stimulant it can be taken for only a certain period of time. A rest period needs to be taken after a standard amount of time. The effectiveness of Echinacea diminishes if used for any longer period of time.
  • At the onset of a cold the herb should be taken three to four times daily for 10 to 14 consecutive days. To prevent colds it should be taken three times daily for six to eight weeks continuously. Then the herb needs to be discontinued for a period of time.
  • The recommended dose is currently 40 drops three times daily in liquid form, which seems to offer the best results. The dried juice and capsule can be used as an alternative at a daily dose of one capsule three times daily. Total daily doses of powdered Echinacea should be in the 900mg range.
• Side Effects:
  • Echinacea is nontoxic when taken orally and there are no known complications during pregnancy and lactation. It is contraindicated in individuals with autoimmune diseases and other progressive systemic diseases such as tuberculosis and multiple sclerosis.

EPHEDRA (Ephedra sinica, intermedia, equisetina)

• Source:
  • Ephedra, also called ma huang, is found in a plant that grows in deserts throughout the world. The Asian species are what supplies the medicinal formulas and have been used by the Chinese for over 5000 years. The alkaloids ephedrin and pseudoephedrin are the active components of Ephedra.
• Effects:
  • They stimulate the central nervous system causing vasoconstriction, which increases blood pressure and heart rate as well as dilating the bronchial tubes. Pseudoephedrin is an over-the-counter remedy for nasal congestion.
• Dosage:
  • Over-the-counter drugs with ephedrin can be used safely at doses of 12.5mg to 25mg every 4 hours, with no more than 150mg every 4 hours being taken.
• Side Effects:
  • The side affects include insomnia, dry mouth, muscle disturbances, heart palpitations, nervousness, and high blood pressure. Individuals with heart conditions, diabetes, glaucoma, thyroid disease, those taking MAO-inhibiting antidepressants, and hypertension should not use the herb. It should also not be used during pregnancy and lactation or with children under the age of six.

FEVERFEW

• Source:
  • As a member of the daisy family it grows along fields and roadsides with its flowers blooming in July to October with the leaves being used in medical preparations.
• Effects:
  • Feverfew is primarily used for the treatment of migraine headaches but has also been used in helping with menstrual cramps, reducing inflammation and swelling as well as “breaking a fever”.
  • The active components are sequiterpene lactones with parthenolide being the most important. This particular compound appears to be responsible for the anti-migraine activity of Feverfew.
  • It inhibits platelet aggregation and releases serotonin from platelets. This reduces the severity, duration, and frequency of migraine headaches and improves blood vessel tone. It also inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and the release of arachidonic acid. Multiple studies have shown beneficial effects with patients suffering from migraine headaches.
• Dosage:
  • The recommended intake is a daily parthenolide dose of at least 250mcg per day. It needs to be taken for at least 4-6 weeks in order to judge clinical effectiveness.
• Side Effects:
  • Side effects are mild and include dermatitis. It is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women and in children under the age of two. No long-term toxicity studies have been performed.

GARLIC

• Source:
  • Garlic is a member of the lily family and belongs to the genus Allium, which also includes onions. Garlic is currently no longer found in the wild and has evolved to its present form after thousands of years of cultivation. Garlic bulbs are harvested in early summer with the largest production in central California, followed by China.
• Effects:
  • The primary indications for the use of garlic include hyperlipidemia, mild hypertension, early stages of intermittent claudication, cardiovascular disease in general, and when an overall antiviral, antifungal and/or antibiotic agent is necessary. Garlic has also been used throughout the centuries for intestinal problems, infections, weight loss, low-energy, respiratory problems, as well as others.
• Dosage:
  • The recommended dose for garlic is to chew one fresh clove of garlic per day. It can also be taken in odor controlled enteric-coated garlic powder capsules. The supplement should provide at least 5000mcg of allicin per day with the treatment period being for 3 to 6 months.
• Side Effects:
  • Consumption at these doses has minimal to no side effects or contraindications, although heartburn and flatulence may occur. Garlic odor may be experienced with perspiration, which can be avoided by taking, the supplements in two or three smaller divided dosages. There are allergic reactions to garlic but they are extremely rare. Contraindications would include using anti coagulant drugs with garlic. There are no known contraindications for use during pregnancy or lactation.

Garlic cloves before they are crushed or chewed are high in the sulfur containing compound known as Alliin. With crushing or chewing, alliin is altered due to contact with the enzyme allinase. Allinase transforms Alliin into Allicin, which is the source of the typical garlic odor. The Allicin however is very unstable and depending upon environmental conditions it commonly breaks down into a number of other sulfur compounds. Research has demonstrated that garlic supplements work best when they approximate eating raw garlic. However carefully prepared garlic powder supplements can yield only 4% less Allicin than raw garlic.

Garlic has been shown to effectively lower serum cholesterol and triglycerides, inhibit platelet aggregation, increase fibrinolysis and possess mild anti-hypertensive effects. Garlic interferes with the hepatic metabolism of cholesterol resulting in less release into the serum, mildly elevates HDL cholesterol and prevents oxidation of LDL cholesterol. There have been over 32 human studies since 1975 demonstrating lipid lowering effects of garlic. The majority of studies were completed with garlic powder tablets that are standardized to 1.3% alliin. The daily dosage of these studies ranged between 600mg to 900mg. This provided approximately 5000mcg of allicin potential at the higher dose. The studies ranged from 4 weeks to 16 weeks. In meta-analysis studies since 1975 the average reduction in total serum cholesterol of garlic treatment was found to be 9% to 12% and reduction of serum triglycerides from 8% to 27%. Garlic however is not as aggressive as cholesterol lowering drugs, but does appear to be safe for long term use. Once aggressive drug therapy has been completed, garlic can be used as a preventative measure.

Garlic’s ability to inhibit platelet aggregation and increase fibrinolysis has been demonstrated in multiple studies. Therefore, consuming a diet high in garlic may decrease the incidence of cardiovascular disease and prevent or treat early stages of peripheral vascular conditions such as intermittent claudication.

Garlic also has been shown to have anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial activity. It was first shown to be anti-bacterial by Dr. Pasterur in 1858, although it is weak and only contains 1% of the anti bacterial potential of penicillin. Therefore it is not useful to fight infection but rather used as an adjunctive therapy for persons who have recurrent infections. Garlic has also been found to inhibit the virus herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus and also the human immuno deficiency virus. The anti HIV activity has been associated with a different active component other than the allicin. Garlic has also been shown to inhibit candida albicans, which is a fungal type of infection.

Epidemiological studies have also demonstrated that regular garlic intake has been shown to reduce esophageal, stomach and colon cancers. Garlic may be able to reduce the formation of N-nitroso compounds such as nitrosamine. Animal studies both in-vitro and in-vivo have shown garlic and its sulfur compounds to inhibit the growth of different cancer cells, particularly breast and skin tumors.

Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)

• Source:
  • Horse chestnut is native to Asia and Northern Greece. It is a tree with fruit that appears as a horse chestnut.
• Effects:
  • It is typically used for chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins. It is also used as a cream and applied to individuals with sprains and strains where swelling occurs.
  • In a study that evaluated the effectiveness of Horse Chestnut, 204 patients with venous insufficiency. They were assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups. These individuals were assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups. One group received compression stockings, the second a capsule containing 50mg of aescin twice daily, which is the active component of Horse chestnut and the third group received a placebo for 12 weeks. Results of the study demonstrated that lower leg volume of the more severely affected limb decreased by an average of 43.8ml with the aescin preparation and 46.7ml with compression stockings. It decreased by only 9.8ml in the placebo group.
  • The active constituent is the saponin called aescin and is found in the extracts from the seeds of the Horse Chestnut. It promotes normal tone of the veins and therefore promotes return of blood to the heart. It is in both a topical and internal form, with the topical application being used for strains and sprains due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Dosage:
  • The correct oral dose is 50mg twice per day and once per day after 6 to 8 weeks of usage.
• Side Effects:
  • Although the herb is generally safe, consuming large quantities has been linked to kidney damage. Also, any individual with liver or kidney disease or anyone who is pregnant or lactating should not take this herb. The use of this herb with children is not recommended and individuals consuming anticoagulant medications should not take it. Side effects with topical applications include allergic skin reactions.

GINKGO BILOBA

• Source:
  • Ginkgo is the world’s oldest living species of tree and dates back more the 200 million years. Individual trees may live as long as 1,000 years and may grow to 125 feet in height. The Chinese have been using ginkgo for over five thousand years in the treatment of asthma and memory impairment. Ginkgo is the most researched phytomedicine in the world with over 400 pharmacological and clinical studies and reports being performed.
• Effects:
  • The primary indications for ginkgo include age related cognitive decline, early stage dementia, cerebral vascular insufficiency, tinnitus and intermittent claudication.
  • There are two groups of active constituents; the terpene lactones and ginkgo flavone glycosides. Ginkgo extracts are currently standardized in today’s market and typically contain 24% ginkgo flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones. There are three ginkgolides that are found in terpene lactones called A, B, C as well as bilobalide. The actions of these components include neuro-protection, improved circulatory perfusion, inhibition of platelet activating factor, and cognitive activation. The German commission E monograph for ginkgo states that mechanisms of action include improvement of hypoxic tolerance particularly in cerebral tissue, inhibition in the development of traumatically or toxically produced cerebral edema, stimulation of choline absorption in the hippocampus and an increase in memory performance and learning capacity, improvement in compensation of disturbed equilibrium and in circulatory profusion, inactivation of toxic oxygen radicals, antagonism of platelet activating factor and an overall neuroprotective effect.
  • Pharmacologically the herb demonstrates hemodynamic, hemorrhagic, and metabolic actions. Gingko has been shown to exert antioxidant activity in the brain and central nervous system as well as the cardiovascular system. There have been many studies documenting the efficiency of this herb in the treatment of memory loss, depression, and disorientation associated with cerebral vascular insufficiency in geriatric patients.
• Dosage:
  • Single doses, between 120mg-240mg, have been found to increase alpha wave activity in the range associated with drugs that improve cognitive function. The recommended intake for preventative use and for treatment of circulation problems is two or three divided doses consisting of 120mg-160mg per dose.
  • For central nervous system related conditions such as early stage dementia and resistant depression intake of 240mg in two or three divided doses is necessary.
  • An initial 6 to 8 week period is recommended to determine the efficiency of the herb. The 240mg dose is recommended for at least 6 months with reduction to 120mg once improvement occurs. The herb should be standardized to contain 6% terpene lactones and 24% gingko flavoglycosides.
• Side Effects:
  • Side effects are rare, with less than 1% of all patients experiencing mild gastrointestinal distress. Patients with cerebral vascular insufficiency may experience a mild transient headache for the first one or two days of use. There are no known drug interactions; however, those using anticoagulant medication need to be monitored. There are no contra indications for use of the herb during pregnancy or lactation.

GINSENG (Asian)

• Source:
  • Asian Ginseng, also called Korean or Chinese Ginseng, grows in China, Korea, and Russia. This is when the active component, Ginsenosides are at their highest levels. Asian Ginseng has been used by the Chinese for over 2000 years and has many active constituents. However, the best researched are the triterpine saponins known as Ginsenosides. There have been at least thirteen identified in Asian Ginseng.
• Effects:
  • This herb is primarily used for fatigue and adrenal support for people under stress. It is also believed to support the immune system following radiation or chemotherapy.
  • It is thought that Asian Ginseng is an adaptogen. This is a concept that is new and very different to the United States and the western world. To be classified as an adaptogen certain criteria must be met, which includes demonstrating nonspecific affects and increased powers of resistance to toxins, normalize and be independent from the type of pathological condition present, be harmless and not influence normal body functions.
  • Ginseng meets this criteria and is an adaptogen that allows the body to more efficiently cope with stress. This action appears to be focused on the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. Ginseng appears to influence and balance the function of the HPA axis, which allows the body to adapt more efficiently to stress. Ginseng has also been shown to improve cognitive functions of attention, performance, and memory.
• Dosage:
  • The recommended dose is 100mg once or twice per day and the Ginseng extract should be standardized to contain 5%-7% Ginsenosides. It is typically used for 2 to 3 weeks continuously followed by 1 to 2 week rest periods.
• Side Effects:
  • Ginseng is safe at these recommendations, however; in rare situations, over stimulation and possible insomnia may occur. Contraindications include hypertension, with long-term use perhaps causing menstrual abnormalities and breast tenderness. It is not recommended for those who are pregnant or lactating.